Sheet stacking device, sheet cutting system, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a sheet stacking device, a sheet cutting system, and an image forming system that can prevent the intrusion or mixing of sheets being transported and stacked in an adjacent row in a paper stacking device, while suppressing the increase in size of the automatic cutting device and the paper stacking device. [Solution] The sheet stacking device 600 has a loading section 610, a stacking section 630, and a guide section 620. Multiple sheets arranged in the width direction are loaded into the loading section 610 in parallel. Multiple sheets are stacked in parallel in the stacking section 630. The guide section 620 is arranged along the path from the loading section 610 to the stacking section 630 and guides the sheets being transported from the loading section 610 to the stacking section 630. The sheets being transported from the loading section 610 are guided to the stacking section 630 while rubbing against the guide section 620.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet stacking device, a sheet cutting system, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, printing services that accept orders for printing cards such as postcards and business cards and act as surrogates have been booming. In a print shop that provides such a printing service, in addition to the main body of an image forming device that forms an image on paper, an automatic cutting device that processes the paper into the size of a postcard or a card, and a paper stacking device that stacks a plurality of cut papers are used as post-processing devices.

[0003] For example, as a paper stacking device, a cutting paper stacking device that stacks a plurality of cut papers in parallel in the paper conveyance direction is known. In such a paper stacking device, a plurality of cut papers are conveyed in parallel and are respectively stacked in a predetermined stacking portion provided on a paper discharge tray. However, due to factors such as the accuracy of the paper set and variations during conveyance, the discharge position of the paper in the width direction of the paper, that is, the direction orthogonal to the paper conveyance direction, may vary by about ±3 to 5 mm.

[0004] As described above, when a plurality of sheets are stacked in parallel, due to variations in the width direction of the sheets, a part of the stacked sheets may intrude into the adjacent row. In this case, for example, when the end of the sheet overlaps the adjacent row, the workability of the user when taking out the sheet may deteriorate. Further, when the entire stacked sheet intrudes into the adjacent row, problems such as messiness may occur. In particular, the problem is likely to occur when performing edge-free cutting. The edge is a margin provided outside from the finished position between adjacent images on the paper to be cut in consideration of the deviation during cutting. Therefore, it is required to prevent the intrusion and mixing of the sheets being conveyed and stacked in the paper stacking device into the adjacent row and to ensure the workability of the user when taking out the cut sheets.

[0005] In connection with this, a technique is known in which paper is cut in the direction of transport while being transported by rollers, and the cut paper (the scrap side) is separated by following a guide (for example, Patent Document 1 below). Also, a technique is known in which paper is cut in the direction of transport while being transported by rollers, and only the cut paper (the scrap side) is sandwiched between rollers and transported to separate it (for example, Patent Document 2 below).

[0006] Furthermore, a technique has been known to address variations in the width direction of paper by installing an aligner mechanism within the transport path to correct for skewness in each cut sheet of paper. This technique improves the precision of the paper discharge position, thereby suppressing the entry and mixing of discharged paper into adjacent rows. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2015-174259 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-073819 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] However, correcting for skew requires a longer transport path, which leads to the problem of larger equipment. Furthermore, securing installation space becomes a particular challenge, especially in image forming systems where the image forming apparatus, automatic cutting apparatus, and paper stacking apparatus are integrated.

[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. The present invention aims to provide a sheet stacking device, a sheet cutting system, and an image forming system that can prevent the intrusion and mixing of sheets being transported and stacked in an automatic cutting device and a paper stacking device into adjacent rows, while suppressing an increase in size. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above objectives of the present invention are achieved by the following means.

[0011] (1) A sheet stacking device comprising: an input section into which a plurality of sheets arranged in the width direction are brought in in parallel; a stacking section for stacking the plurality of sheets in parallel; and a guide section arranged along a path from the input section to the stacking section for guiding the sheets being transported from the input section to the stacking section, wherein the sheets being transported from the input section are guided to the stacking section while rubbing against the guide section.

[0012] (2) The sheet stacking device according to (1) above, wherein the guide portion extends along the sheet transport direction and has an inclined portion on the downstream side in the sheet transport direction that is higher than the upstream side.

[0013] (3) The sheet stacking device described in (1) above, wherein the guide portion is flexible.

[0014] (4) The sheet stacking apparatus according to (2) above, wherein the cross section of the inclined portion has a curved portion.

[0015] (5) The sheet stacking device according to (1) above, wherein the guide portion is configured to be detachable in the sheet transport direction.

[0016] (6) The sheet stacking device according to (2) above, wherein the inclined portion is configured to be expandable and contractible in the sheet transport direction.

[0017] (7) The sheet stacking device described in (2) above, wherein the inclination angle of the inclined portion is configured to be adjustable.

[0018] (8) The sheet stacking device according to (1) above, further comprising a pressing section that presses the stacked sheets in the direction in which the sheets fall.

[0019] (9) A cutting device that cuts a sheet into a plurality of sheets, and a sheet stacking device that receives the sheets cut into a plurality of sheets and discharged from the cutting device, and stacks the sheets cut into the plurality of sheets in parallel, the sheet stacking device according to any one of (1) to (8) above, and a sheet cutting system having the same.

[0020] (10) The cutting device according to (9) above cuts the sheet in the sheet conveyance direction and discharges the plurality of cut sheets side by side.

[0021] (11) The guide portion extends along the sheet conveyance direction and has an inclined portion where the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction is higher than the upstream side. The inclined portion has a top portion with the highest vertical position, and the height of the top portion in the vertical direction is higher than the position of the sheet carried in from the carry-in portion.

[0022] (12) The cutting device further has a sheet conveyance portion that conveys the sheet to the carry-in portion, and the guide portion is arranged so that the sheet is guided to the stacking portion while rubbing against the guide portion while being conveyed by the sheet conveyance portion.

[0023] (13) The position of the guide portion in the width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction is offset with respect to the cutting position of the sheet cut in the sheet conveyance direction by the cutting device.

[0024] (14) The cutting device according to (9) above cuts the sheet with a notch in the sheet conveyance direction and discharges the plurality of cut sheets side by side.

[0025] (15) An image forming system having an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and a cutting system according to (9) above that cuts the sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming device into a plurality of sheets and stacks them in parallel.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present invention, while suppressing the enlargement of the automatic cutting device and the paper stacking device, it is possible to prevent the intrusion and mixing of the paper conveyed and stacked in the paper stacking device into the adjacent rows. As a result, it is possible to prevent an increase in the labor of the user who takes out the paper due to the intrusion or mixing of the paper stacked in the paper stacking device into the adjacent rows.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0027] The advantages and features provided by one or more embodiments of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to define the limitations of the present invention. [Figure 1] It is a schematic block diagram of an image forming system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit shown in FIG. 2 [Figure 4] It is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the paper processing device and the paper stacking device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram illustrating the cutting with burrs by the paper processing device. [Figure 6] It is a schematic diagram illustrating the cutting without burrs by the paper processing device. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the paper stacking device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 8A] It is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the guide unit shown in FIG. 7. [Figure 8B] It is a side view of the guide unit shown in FIG. 7 viewed from the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the position of the central guide unit is displaced from the position corresponding to the paper cutting position. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the central guide unit is arranged at the position corresponding to the paper cutting position. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of the position, height, and tilt angle of the guide section in the paper transport direction. [Figure 12] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of the guide section's position in the paper transport direction and the main body's position in the paper width direction. [Figure 13] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the pressing section. [Figure 14] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the state of paper from the time it is discharged from the paper processing machine until it is accumulated in the stacking unit. [Figure 15] This is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the state of paper from the time it is discharged from the paper processing machine until it is accumulated in the stacking unit. [Figure 16A] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the paper separation function provided by the guide section. [Figure 16B] This is a schematic diagram following Figure 16A. [Figure 16C] This is a schematic diagram following Figure 16B. [Figure 17] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a paper stacking device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the paper stacking device. [Figure 19] This is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a paper stacking device according to the third embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0029] (First Embodiment) <Image forming system 100> Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the image forming apparatus 400 shown in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit 490 shown in Figure 2. Furthermore, Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the paper processing apparatus 500 and paper stacking apparatus 600 shown in Figure 1.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the image forming system 100 includes a client terminal 200, a paper feeder 300, an image forming apparatus 400, a paper processing apparatus (cutting apparatus) 500, and a paper stacking apparatus (sheet stacking apparatus) 600. The client terminal 200, paper feeder 300, image forming apparatus 400, paper processing apparatus 500, and paper stacking apparatus 600 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with one another via a communication line 700 or the like. The paper processing apparatus and the paper stacking apparatus constitute a cutting system.

[0031] <Client terminal 200> The client terminal 200 can be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. The client terminal 200 has a printer driver installed for converting document data into a print job. The printer driver generates a print job in a format compatible with the control unit 490 of the image forming apparatus (see Figures 2 and 3) and transmits the print job to the image forming apparatus 400 via the communication line 700. The client terminal 200 also has a display capable of showing the layout of the print image.

[0032] A print job includes, for example, print data in PDL (Page Description Language) format and job information. The print data includes, for example, print data consisting of pages 1 through n. The job information includes, for example, the number of pages, number of copies, paper (sheet) type, size, basis weight, and print settings such as single-sided / double-sided printing.

[0033] Communication line 700 may include a LAN (Local Area Network) connecting computers and network devices according to a predetermined standard, or a WAN (Wide Area Network) connecting LANs with dedicated lines. Examples of predetermined standards include Ethernet (registered trademark), FDDI (Fiber Distributed Data Interface), and Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity).

[0034] Note that the number of each of the above components connected to the communication line 700 is not limited to the example shown in Figure 1.

[0035] <Paper feeder 300> The paper feeder 300 is equipped with at least one large-capacity paper tray and supplies paper to the image forming apparatus 400 one sheet at a time.

[0036] <Image forming apparatus 400> The image forming apparatus 400 reads an image from a document and forms (prints) the read image onto paper. The image forming apparatus 400 also receives a print job containing print data and print setting data in PDL format from a client terminal 200 via a communication line 700, and forms an image on paper based on this.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 400 includes an image reading unit 410, an image processing unit 420, an image forming unit 430, a paper feeding unit 440, a paper transport unit 450, a fixing unit 460, a communication unit 470, an operation display unit 480, and a control unit 490. These components are interconnected via an internal bus 401 so that they can communicate with each other.

[0038] [Image reading unit 410] The image reading unit 410 comprises an optical system consisting of a mirror, a lens, and the like, and a reading sensor. The image reading unit 410 reads a document placed on the reading surface or a document transported by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and outputs an image signal.

[0039] [Image processing unit 420] The image processing unit 420 performs various image processing operations on the image signal received from the image reading unit 410 to generate print image data. The image processing unit 420 also generates print image data based on the print setting information and print data included in the print job received by the communication unit 470. The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 430.

[0040] [Image forming unit 430] The image forming unit 430 forms an image on paper based on printed image data using a well-known image formation process, such as an electrophotographic method, which includes the steps of charging, exposure, development, and transfer. The image forming unit 430 is composed of a photosensitive drum as an image carrier and a charging unit, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a transfer unit arranged around it.

[0041] The photoreceptor drum rotates at a predetermined speed by a drum motor (not shown). The charging unit includes corona discharge electrodes positioned around the photoreceptor drum, and charges the surface of the photoreceptor drum with the ions generated. The optical writing unit incorporates a scanning optical device and, based on the input print image data, exposes the charged photoreceptor drum, thereby lowering the potential of the exposed area and forming a charge pattern (electrostatic latent image) corresponding to the print image data. The developing unit develops the formed electrostatic latent image, visualizes it with toner, and forms a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image on the photoreceptor drum to the paper.

[0042] [Paper feed section 440] The paper feeding unit 440 supplies paper as recording material to the image forming unit 430. The paper feeding unit 440 has an upper tray and a lower tray, and each tray can store paper of different sizes, such as A4 size and A3 size.

[0043] [Paper transport section 450] The paper transport unit 450 transports paper within the image forming apparatus 400. The paper transport unit 450 has a transport path and a plurality of transport roller pairs. The paper transport unit 450 also includes a paper inversion unit and a circulation transport unit, which can invert the front and back of the fixed paper before ejecting it, or form an image on both sides of the paper.

[0044] Paper supplied from the paper feeder 300 or paper feed unit 440 is transported along the transport path toward the image forming unit 430. The timing of the paper's transport to the transfer unit is controlled by the registration roller pair, which synchronizes with the toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum. The paper, on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit, is transported to the fuser unit 460.

[0045] [Fixing section 460] The fuser unit 460 fixes the toner image formed on the paper. The fuser unit 460 comprises a hollow heating roller with a heater inside and a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller and pressure roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 160°C or higher) by the heater, applying heat and pressure to the paper to fix the toner image.

[0046] The paper on which the image has been fixed is supplied to the paper processing device 500 through the paper discharge section (not shown).

[0047] [Communications Section 470] The communication unit 470 connects to, for example, a client terminal 200 via the communication line 700 to send and receive data such as print jobs.

[0048] [Operation display section 480] The operation display unit 480 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit, for example, includes a keyboard and a touchscreen, and is used by the user to input various instructions (inputs) such as text input, various settings, and start commands. The output unit has a display and is used to show the user the equipment configuration, the status of the print job, the conditions for post-processing, output images, and the status of any abnormalities (jams) in paper transport.

[0049] [Control Unit 490] The control unit 490 controls the image reading unit 410, the image processing unit 420, the image forming unit 430, the paper feeding unit 440, the paper transport unit 450, the fixing unit 460, the communication unit 470, and the operation display unit 480. As shown in Figure 3, the control unit 490 has a CPU 491, an auxiliary storage device 492, a RAM 493, and a ROM 494.

[0050] The CPU 491 executes a control program for the image forming apparatus. The control program is stored in the auxiliary storage device 492 and loaded into the RAM 493 when executed by the CPU 491. The auxiliary storage device 492 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or flash memory. The RAM 493 stores the calculation results from the CPU 491's execution, the location, type, and prohibition condition information of the functional units loaded in the paper processing device 500. The ROM 494 stores various parameters and various programs. The CPU 491 executes the above control program and realizes various functions.

[0051] <Paper processing equipment 500> Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the paper processing device 500 and paper stacking device 600 shown in Figure 1. In this figure, the vertical direction is the Z direction, the front and back directions of the paper processing device 500 and paper stacking device 600 are the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to these X and Z directions is the X direction. The Y direction is also called the paper width direction. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating gutter cutting by the paper processing device 500. Gutter cutting is a cutting method in which a margin is set outside the finished position between adjacent images on the paper to be cut. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating gutterless cutting by the paper processing device 500. Gutterless cutting is a cutting method in which the above margin is not set.

[0052] The paper processing device 500 transports or processes the paper supplied from the image forming device 400 according to the instructions of the image forming device 400, and supplies it to the paper stacking device 600.

[0053] As shown in Figure 4, the paper processing apparatus 500 includes a paper transport unit (sheet transport unit) 510, a processing unit 520, a waste bin 530, a communication unit 540, and a control unit 550. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus so that they can communicate with one another.

[0054] [Paper transport unit 510] The paper transport unit 510 includes transport paths 511, 512, 513 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 514, and transports paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 400 along the transport paths 511, 512, or 513.

[0055] Furthermore, the paper transport unit 510 includes a long paper transport unit 515 and a discharge transport unit 516. The long paper transport unit 515 transports and aligns the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 400. More specifically, the long paper transport unit 515 temporarily holds the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 400 in the transport path 512 and aligns (corrects to the correct orientation) the inclination relative to the transport direction before transporting it to the processing unit 520. The discharge transport unit 516 transports the paper from the processing unit 520 to the paper stacking device 600. Although the illustration is simplified, the discharge transport unit 516 may be equipped with multiple transport roller pairs 514 along the transport path 513 to ensure reliable transport of paper cut to postcard size or business card size in the processing unit 520.

[0056] Each transport roller pair 514 of the discharge transport unit 516 consists of multiple transport roller pairs arranged side by side in the paper width direction. Therefore, each transport roller pair 514 can independently transport each sheet of paper that has been cut into multiple rows in the paper width direction. For example, a transport roller pair 514 consists of two transport roller pairs arranged side by side in the paper width direction, and each transport roller pair 514 can independently transport each sheet of paper that has been cut into two rows in the paper width direction (see paper processing device 500 in Figure 19).

[0057] [Processing section 520] The processing unit 520 performs processing on the paper using one or more functional units. The processing unit 520 has multiple slots 521 to 524 for loading functional units. Each of the slots 521 to 524 has a slot number (#1 to #4), and a functional unit is loaded at each loading position along the transport path. The loading position is defined by the position on the transport path (position in the X direction). Figure 4 shows the case where functional units 561 to 564 are loaded into slots 521 to 524, respectively. Each of the functional units 561 to 564 can be loaded into any of the slots 521 to 524, subject to certain restrictions, and they are interchangeable. Furthermore, it is not necessary to load functional units 561 to 564 into all of the slots 521 to 524; they may be loaded into only some of the slots 521 to 524. Furthermore, if slots 521-524 are empty, dummy units are loaded in a manner that does not interfere with paper transport.

[0058] Furthermore, detection sensors 525 to 528 are installed in slots 521 to 524, respectively. The detection sensors 525 to 528 work in cooperation with the control unit 490 to determine whether or not functional units 561 to 564 are loaded, and if functional units are loaded in slots 521 to 524, they acquire information regarding the type of functional unit and whether or not it is loaded, i.e., the loading position.

[0059] The detection sensors 525 to 528 can be of any form as long as they can detect whether or not a functional unit is loaded and the type of functional unit; for example, optical sensors and actuators can be used. Alternatively, the control unit 490 may detect whether or not a functional unit is loaded by mating the connector on the main body of the paper processing device 500 with the connector on the functional unit and making an electrical connection, and after connection, it may also detect (determine) the type of functional unit by reading the identification number stored on the control board of the functional unit.

[0060] Functional units 561-564 could be, for example, a CD cutting unit, a top and bottom slitting (FD cutting) unit, a gutter-cutting slitting unit, a crease unit, a CD sewing unit, an FD sewing unit, or a business card slitting unit. CD stands for "Cross Direction," and FD stands for "Feed Direction." Gutter-cutting refers to cutting off the gutter during the cutting process.

[0061] The CD cutting unit is a unit that cuts paper in the CD direction. The top and bottom slitting unit is a unit that cuts paper in the paper transport direction (sheet transport direction), and is also called the FD cutting unit. Hereafter, the paper transport direction will also be referred to as the "FD direction".

[0062] The gutter-cutting slitting unit is a unit that forms slits in the FD direction. For example, in gutter-cutting slitting, cutting is performed with two parallel cutting lines, and a slit (groove) is formed between the two cutting lines. The crease unit is a unit that forms grooves in a predetermined direction, for example, in the CD direction.

[0063] The CD perforation unit forms perforations in the CD direction, and the FD perforation unit forms perforations in the FD direction. The business card slitting unit forms multiple slits in the FD direction to cut the paper to business card size. The processing unit 520 can also use other functional units.

[0064] The paper processed in the processing unit 520 is discharged to the paper stacking device 600 by the transport roller pair 514 of the discharge transport unit 516.

[0065] [Scrap box 530] The paper scraps cut by the paper cutting function unit fall into the waste bin 530 by their own weight and are accumulated there. The user periodically disposes of the paper scraps in the waste bin 530.

[0066] [Communications Section 540] The communication unit 540 is connected to the image forming apparatus 400 via a communication line 700 and transmits and receives data.

[0067] [Control Unit 550] The control unit 550 controls the paper transport unit 510, the processing unit 520, and the communication unit 540. The control unit 550 includes a CPU, RAM, and ROM.

[0068] The control unit 550 executes a control program for the paper processing machine and implements various functions. The RAM stores the calculation results and processing results of the CPU, as well as the location, type, and prohibition condition information of the functional units loaded in the processing unit 520. The ROM stores the control program mentioned above, various parameters including the loading position (position on the transport path) corresponding to the slot (or slot number).

[0069] [Example of trimming with a gutter] As shown in Figure 5, for example, consider the case where an A3 size sheet of paper (hereinafter referred to as "A3 paper") is cut to obtain four B6 size sheets (hereinafter referred to as "B6 paper") in a 2x2 grid, as an example of gutter cutting. The functional units, a top and bottom slitting unit, a dummy unit, a gutter cutting slitting unit, and a CD cutting unit, are pre-loaded by the user into slots 521 to 524 in this order.

[0070] A3 size paper measures 297 x 420 mm, and A6 size paper measures 128 x 182 mm. The control unit 550 controls the processing unit 520 to cut the A3 paper in the FD direction using the top and bottom slit unit at a position 16.5 mm from the top and bottom edges of the paper in the CD direction, and to cut the center with a width of 8 mm using the gutter slit unit. The control unit 550 also controls the processing unit 520 to cut the A3 paper in the CD direction using the CD cutting unit at a position 24 mm, 24 + 182 = 206 mm, 206 + 16 = 222 mm, and 222 + 182 = 404 mm from the left edge of the paper in the FD direction. By cutting the A3 paper in this way, a total of four B6 sheets are obtained in a 2x2 arrangement. The control unit 550 drives the transport roller pair 514 of the discharge transport unit 516 to transport the B6 paper, which has been cut into two rows in the processing unit 520, to the paper stacking device 600.

[0071] [Example of trimming without bleed] As shown in Figure 6, for example, consider a case where a sheet of paper with four postcard images printed on it (2 rows x 2 columns total) is cut to obtain four postcard-sized sheets (2 rows x 2 columns total). The functional units, a dummy unit, a dummy unit, a top and bottom slit unit, and a CD cutting unit, are pre-loaded by the user into slots 521 to 524 in this order.

[0072] The control unit 550 controls the processing unit 520 to cut the A3 paper in the FD direction using the top and bottom slit unit at the center of the paper in the CD direction. The control unit 550 also controls the processing unit 520 to cut the A3 paper in the CD direction using the CD cutting unit at the center of the paper in the FD direction. By cutting the paper in this way, four postcard-sized sheets of paper are obtained. The control unit 550 drives the transport roller pair 514 of the discharge transport unit 516 to transport the postcard-sized sheets cut into two rows in the processing unit 520 to the paper stacking device 600.

[0073] Hereinafter, the paper that is cut into two rows, a first row and a second row, by the paper processing device 500 and supplied to the paper stacking device 600 will be referred to as the first sheet of paper and the second sheet of paper, respectively.

[0074] [Acquisition of functional unit type and loading position] The control unit 550 acquires the type and loading position of the functional unit based on the detection results of the detection sensors 525 to 528. For example, a unique unit number can be pre-assigned to each type of functional unit that can be loaded into slots 521 to 524, and the control unit can be configured to acquire the unit number as information about the type of functional unit that is loaded. The correspondence between the unit number and the type of functional unit can be stored as a table in RAM.

[0075] <Paper stacking device 600> Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the paper stacking device 600 shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the paper stacking device 600 has a rectangular parallelepiped main body 601, a loading section 610, a guide section 620, a stacking section 630, a pressing section 640, and a paper transport section 650. These components are arranged within a rectangular recess 602 formed in the main body 601.

[0076] [Loading area 610] The loading section 610 loads (introduces) multiple sheets of paper arranged in the width direction from the paper processing device 500 in parallel. The loading section 610 has loading openings for each row for loading the paper into the paper stacking device 600. Figure 7 illustrates a configuration in which two loading openings for loading paper are provided on one side wall of the recess 602. Hereinafter, the two loading openings provided in the recess 602 will be referred to as the first loading opening 611 and the second loading opening 612, respectively. The first and second sheets of paper cut in the paper processing device 500 are loaded in parallel from the first loading opening 611 and the second loading opening 612, respectively, by the drive of the transport roller pair 514 of the paper processing device 500. A partition wall may be placed between the first loading opening 611 and the second loading opening 612 to separate them.

[0077] [Guide section 620] Figure 8A is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of the guide section 620 shown in Figure 7, and Figure 8B is a side view of the guide section 620 shown in Figure 7, viewed from the downstream side in the paper transport direction. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the central guide section 620 is positioned offset from the position corresponding to the paper cutting position. Figure 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the case where the central guide section 620 is positioned at the position corresponding to the paper cutting position. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of the position, height, and inclination angle of the guide section 620 in the paper transport direction. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the adjustment of the position of the guide section in the paper transport direction and the adjustment of the position of the main body 601 in the paper width direction.

[0078] As shown in Figure 4, the guide section 620 is positioned (extends) along the path from the loading section 610 to the stacking section 630, and guides the paper loaded by the loading section 610 to the stacking section 630. In this specification, the path from the first loading entrance 611 to the stacking section 630 is referred to as the first row, and the path from the second loading entrance 612 to the stacking section 630 is also referred to as the second row. The stacking section 630 has a first stacking section 631 corresponding to the first row and a second stacking section 632 corresponding to the second row. The first sheet of paper is transported along the first row to the first stacking section 631, and the second sheet of paper is transported along the second row to the second stacking section 632.

[0079] Guide sections 620 may be positioned one on each side of each row. Guide sections 620 between each row may be shared between two adjacent rows. For example, Figure 7 shows a configuration in which one guide section 620 is positioned on each side of the first and second rows. Guide sections 620 between the first and second rows are shared between the first and second rows.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8A, the guide portion 620 has a guide plate 621 that has a polygonal shape when viewed from the Y direction. The shape of the guide plate 621 shown in Figure 8A is just an example and is not limited to this shape. The guide plate 621 may be triangular or trapezoidal, for example.

[0081] For example, the guide plate 621 is positioned (extends) along the paper transport direction on the bottom surface of the recess 602 and may have an inclined portion 621S where the downstream side in the paper transport direction is higher than the upstream side. That is, the guide plate 621 may have an uphill shape with respect to the paper being transported in the paper transport direction. The inclination angle of the inclined portion 621S is at least greater than horizontal (0 degrees) and less than vertical (90 degrees). The inclination angle of the inclined portion 621S may be determined according to the size of the paper being transported. For example, the inclination angle of the inclined portion 621S may be set to a larger angle the smaller the size of the paper being transported. Details of how to adjust the inclination angle of the inclined portion 621S will be described later. The uphill shape of the guide plate 621 prevents the paper from getting caught on the guide portion 620 when the paper is being transported. The guide plate 621 may be supported, for example, by a support member 623, approximately vertically (in the Z direction) on the bottom surface of the recess 602. The support member 623 may be formed from a different material than the guide plate 621, or it may be formed integrally with the guide plate 621.

[0082] Furthermore, the inclined section 621S has a top that is highest in the Z direction (vertical direction), and the height of the top in the Z direction is configured to be higher than the position of the paper being fed in from the feeding section 610. This improves the separation performance of the first paper 11 and the second paper 12 by the guide section 620. The height of the top from the reference plane is also called the height of the guide section 620. The reference plane can be, for example, the bottom surface of the recess 602. Details on how to adjust the height of the guide section 620 will be described later.

[0083] The guide plate 621 can be formed from a flexible and elastic material such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate), rubber, TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), silicone, polyethylene, polypropylene, or elastomer. The use of a flexible material for the guide plate 621 improves the paper separation. Figure 8A illustrates a case where the guide plate 621 is made of a transparent material, but it is not limited to this case; it may be semi-transparent or opaque.

[0084] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8B, the guide portion 620 may further have a protective portion 622 formed on the inclined portion 621S. The protective portion 622 can be formed, for example, by attaching a protective seal to the inclined portion 621S. The cross-section of the protective portion 622 cut by the YZ plane containing X=x1 has a curved portion, i.e., an R shape. The protective portion 622 can be formed, for example, using a resin that easily forms an R shape. The protective portion 622 can also be formed as an attachment part from a resin or the like and attached to the guide plate 621. Moreover, the configuration is not limited to this, and the entire guide plate 621 and protective portion 622 can also be integrally molded from a resin or the like. The R shape of the cross-section of the protective portion 622 prevents damage to the transported paper when it comes into contact with the guide portion 620.

[0085] Next, the separation operation of the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 by the guide section 620 will be described in detail. As shown in Figure 9, the spacing W1 and W2 between the three guide sections 620 can be set to be slightly larger than, for example, the width of the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12. Therefore, the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 fall towards the bottom surface of the recess 602 by their own weight as they are transported in the first and second rows, respectively. At this time, the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 may land directly on the bottom surface of the recess 602 without contacting the guide section 620 (first row), or they may land on the bottom surface of the recess 602 after contacting the guide section 620 (second row).

[0086] If the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 are cut without a gutter, the distance between the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 being transported is very narrow. On the other hand, if the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 are cut with a gutter, the distance between the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 being transported is relatively wide. Therefore, if the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 are cut without a gutter, it is more likely that at least one of the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 will come into contact with the guide section 620 and then fall to the bottom surface of the recess 602 than if they were cut with a gutter.

[0087] For example, the second sheet of paper 12 shown in Figure 9 has at least a portion of its leading edge to its side edge in contact with the central guide section 620, and is transported toward the second stacking section 632 while remaining in contact with the central guide section 620 by the drive of the transport roller pair 514 of the paper processing device 500. At this time, since the guide plate 621 is made of a flexible (elastic) material, it deforms in the Y direction upon contact with the second sheet of paper 12, and acts a force on the second sheet of paper 12 that restores it in the opposite direction to the direction of this deformation. As a result, the second sheet of paper 12 is transported toward the center of the second stacking section 632 while in contact with the surface of the protective section 622 of the guide section 620, and falls toward the bottom surface of the recess 602 of the second row. That is, the second sheet of paper 12 falls toward the bottom surface of the recess 602 of the second row while rubbing against the surface of the protective section 622 of the guide section 620. Therefore, the second sheet of paper 12 falls towards the bottom surface of the second row of recesses 602 without getting caught on the support member 623 of the guide section 620 located in the center.

[0088] In this embodiment, the central guide portion 620 may be positioned offset from the bottom surface of the recess 602 corresponding to the cutting positions of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. For example, the central guide portion 620 may be positioned a few millimeters offset from the position corresponding to the paper cutting positions of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12. This increases the likelihood that the first sheet 11 or the second sheet 12 will come into contact with the protective portion 622 of the guide portion 620. As described above, the first sheet 11 or the second sheet 12 will come into contact with the protective portion 622 of the guide portion 620 and fall toward the bottom surface of the recess 602 while rubbing its surface. At this time, the flexibility of the guide portion 620 prevents the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 from getting caught on the support member 623 of the guide portion 620.

[0089] In contrast, if the central guide section 620 is positioned to correspond to the cutting positions of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12, it is possible that at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may not land entirely on the bottom surface of the recess 602. For example, depending on the behavior of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 as they fall, at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may get caught on the support member 623 of the centrally positioned guide section 620. As a result, at least one of the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 may not land entirely on the bottom surface of the recess 602.

[0090] Next, we will describe in detail how to adjust the height, position, and tilt angle of the guide section 620.

[0091] As shown in Figure 11, the guide section 620 may further have a height adjustment mechanism (not shown) for adjusting its height. For example, the guide section 620 may further have an extension guide member 625 for extending the guide plate 621, and the height adjustment mechanism allows the extension guide member 625 to slide relative to the guide plate 621 in the direction of the arrow 661 in the figure. This makes the guide section 620 extendable and retractable in the direction of the arrow 661. Alternatively, the guide plate 621 may be made of iron or stainless steel, and the extension guide member 625 may be attached to the guide plate 621 by magnets or the like, thereby making the guide plate 621 extendable. By making the guide plate 621 extendable, it can accommodate guides for various sizes of paper 10. The paper 10 is either the first paper 11 or the second paper 12.

[0092] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the main body 601 may further have a position adjustment mechanism (adjustment mechanism 660) for adjusting (shifting) the position of the guide section 620 in the paper transport direction. For example, as shown in Figure 7, a groove 603 is formed on the bottom surface of the recess 602 below the guide section 620 along the paper transport direction, and the support member 623 is configured to move along the groove 603. This allows the user to change the position of the guide section 620 by moving the guide section 620 to any position along the direction of the arrow 662 parallel to the paper transport direction, and then fixing the support member 623. The support member 623 may also be configured to move using a driving means such as a motor. In addition, a guide plate 621 with a magnet attached may be configured to be detachably attached to any position on a steel or stainless steel separator 634 arranged along the paper transport direction.

[0093] Thus, in this embodiment, the guide section 620 can be moved to any position in the paper transport direction, making it possible to guide various sizes of paper. For example, the position of the guide section 620 in the paper transport direction can be set so that it is closer to the paper loading section 610 as the size of the paper being loaded decreases.

[0094] The position of the guide section 620 may be set so that the leading edge of the paper 10 contacts the guide section 620 while the drive of the transport roller pair 514 of the paper processing device 500 is being transmitted to the paper 10 being fed in from the loading section 610. While the drive of the transport roller pair 514 is being transmitted, this may be, for example, while the transport roller pair 514 is gripping the rear end of the paper 10. As will be described later, if the paper 10 is discharged by a transport belt instead of the transport roller pair 514 in the paper processing device 500, the position of the guide section 620 may be set so that the leading edge of the paper 10 contacts the guide section 620 while the drive of the transport belt is being transmitted.

[0095] In other words, the guide section 620 is positioned such that when the paper 10 comes into contact with the guide section 620, the paper 10 is guided to the stacking section 630 while being transported by the transport roller pair 514 or the transport belt, rubbing against the guide section 620.

[0096] Furthermore, the guide section 620 is configured to allow adjustment of the inclination angle of the inclined section 621S. The guide section 620 may further have an inclination angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the inclination angle of the inclined section 621S. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 660 may also function as the inclination angle adjustment mechanism. The guide section 620 may be configured so that the inclination angle of the inclined section 621S can be adjusted in the rotation direction 663 of the arrow by, for example, rotating the top (vertex) of the guide plate 621 around the rotation axis. The guide section 620 may also further have an extension guide plate (not shown) for adding an inclination angle to the guide section 620. The extension guide plate may be attached to the guide section 620 by, for example, a magnet. By configuring the inclination angle of the inclined section 621S to be adjustable in the rotation direction 663 of the arrow, it is possible to guide various sizes of paper 10.

[0097] Furthermore, the paper stacking device 600 may further have a main body adjustment mechanism 605 for adjusting (shifting) the position of the main body 601 in the paper width direction. The main body adjustment mechanism 605 allows the mounting position of the paper stacking device 600 relative to the paper processing device 500 to be changed. The main body 601 can be fixed by magnets or the like at any position in the direction of the arrow 664 along the paper width direction.

[0098] [Integration Unit 630] As shown in Figure 7, the stacking unit 630 stacks multiple sheets of paper in parallel. The stacking unit 630 has a stopper 633 that blocks the transported paper within the recess 602, and a plurality of separators 634 that divide each row. The paper is stacked in the space formed between the stopper 633 and the plurality of separators 634. Figure 7 illustrates the configuration of the stacking unit 630 for stacking a first sheet of paper 11 and a second sheet of paper 12 that have been transported in two rows in parallel. The stacking unit 630 has a first stacking unit 631 corresponding to the first row and a second stacking unit 632 corresponding to the second row. Although the example shows the stacking unit 630 stacking the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 in parallel, the stacking unit 630 is similarly configured to have stacking units corresponding to each row separated by separators when stacking three or more sheets of paper in parallel.

[0099] [Pressing part 640] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the pressing section 640 shown in Figure 7. As described above, the paper 10 loaded from the loading section 610 is transported and falls toward the bottom surface of the recess 602 due to its own weight, but it may get caught on, for example, the support member 623 of the guide section 620, and may not land entirely on the bottom surface of the recess 602 (see Figure 10). In contrast, as shown in Figure 13, in this embodiment, the pressing section 640 presses the paper 10 discharged from the paper processing device 500 in the direction in which the paper 10 falls due to its own weight, thereby making it possible to more reliably land the paper 10 on the bottom surface of the recess 602.

[0100] More specifically, one pressing section 640 is arranged for each of the first and second rows, and each pressing section 640 has, for example, a rod-shaped member 641 and a rotational drive unit 642. The rod-shaped member 641 has a shaft portion 641S along the paper width direction (Y direction), a first bent portion 641B extending from the shaft portion 641S in a direction perpendicular to the Y direction, and an arm portion 641A having a predetermined inclination angle downward with respect to the paper transport direction from the first bent portion 641B. That is, the arm portion 641A of the rod-shaped member 641 is mounted such that the downstream side in the paper transport direction is lower than the upstream side. The shaft portion 641S is rotationally driven by the rotational drive unit 642 with the Y direction as the axis of rotation. The arm portion 641A has a second bent portion 641C that bends upward at the part that contacts the bottom surface of the recess 602. The rod-shaped member 641 may be formed from a material such as metal or resin. The shape of the rod-shaped member 641 is merely an example and is not limited to this case.

[0101] When viewed from the Y direction, the rotational drive unit 642 rotates the shaft portion 641S of the rod-shaped member 641 counterclockwise, causing the second bent portion 641C to also rotate counterclockwise on the XZ plane and move in the Z direction from a state of contact with the bottom surface of the recess 602. Also, when the shaft portion 641S of the rod-shaped member 641 is rotated clockwise, the second bent portion 641C also rotates clockwise on the XZ plane and moves in the -Z direction. In other words, when the shaft portion 641S of the rod-shaped member 641 is rotated, the second bent portion 641C also rotates on the XZ plane and moves in the vertical direction.

[0102] The rotation drive unit 642 is controlled by a control unit (not shown) in accordance with the timing of paper 10 being fed in from the feeding unit 610. For example, the control unit controls the second bent portion 641C of the rod-shaped member 641 to move from top to bottom when the paper 10 is fed in. The pressing unit 640 presses the paper 10 being discharged from the paper processing device 500 in the direction of its fall, so that the paper 10 receives a force from the pressing unit 640 in the direction of its fall in addition to gravity. As a result, the separation performance of the paper 10 is improved compared to when there is no pressing by the pressing unit 640, and the paper 10 can be discharged from the paper processing device 500 with its leading edge aligned with the extension direction of the rod-shaped member 641. As a result, the entire sheet of paper 10 can be more reliably brought to the bottom surface of the recess 602.

[0103] [Paper transport unit 650] The paper transport unit 650 is installed along the path from the loading unit 610 to the stacking unit 630, and transports the paper 10 that has landed on the bottom surface of the recess 602 to the stacking unit 630 along the paper transport direction. As shown in Figure 7, the paper transport unit 650 has, for example, a first belt conveyor 651 and a second belt conveyor 652 corresponding to the first and second rows, respectively. The first belt conveyor 651 transports the first sheets of paper 11 to the first stacking unit 631, and the second belt conveyor 652 transports the second sheets of paper 12 to the second stacking unit 632.

[0104] <An example of paper transport and stacking operations> Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the state of the paper 10 from the time it is discharged from the paper processing device 500 until it is accumulated in the accumulation unit 630. In this figure, the pressing unit 640 is omitted from the illustration for the sake of simplicity.

[0105] In the example shown in the figure, the paper 10 is discharged from the downstream transport roller pair 514 of the paper processing device 500 and transported into the recess 602 from the loading section 610 of the paper stacking device 600. Once transported into the recess 602, the paper 10 is guided by the guide section 620 and falls to the bottom of the recess 602 by its own weight. The paper 10 that has landed on the bottom of the recess 602 is transported by the paper transport section 650 toward the stacking section 630. In the stacking section 630, the paper 10 is blocked by the stopper 633 located at the downstream end, so the paper transport section 650 transports the paper 10 while stacking them, and the paper 10 is loaded in an upright position by the stopper 633.

[0106] <Other examples of paper transport and stacking operations> Figure 15 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the state of the paper 10 from the time it is discharged from the paper processing device 500 until it is accumulated in the accumulation unit 630. Note that the pressing unit 640 is omitted from the diagram in order to simplify the illustration.

[0107] In the example shown in the figure, the paper 10 is discharged from the belt conveyor 517 of the paper processing device 500 and transported into the recess 602 from the loading section 610 of the paper stacking device 600. The transport and stacking of the paper 10 transported into the recess 602 is the same as in the example shown in Figure 14, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0108] <Paper separation function by guide section 620> Figures 16A to 16C are schematic diagrams illustrating the paper separation function provided by the guide section 620.

[0109] As shown in Figure 16A, the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 are simultaneously fed in from the loading section 610.

[0110] As shown in Figure 16B, for example, if a portion of the first sheet of paper 11 being transported along the first column extends beyond the second column, the first sheet of paper 11 will come into contact with the guide portion 620 and ride up onto the guide portion 620. The first sheet of paper 11 will then be transported along the guide portion 620 toward the first stacking portion 631 while in contact with the surface of the guide portion 620. In other words, the first sheet of paper 11 is guided toward the first stacking portion 631 while rubbing against the guide portion 620.

[0111] As shown in Figure 16C, the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 are transported and fall toward the bottom of the recess 602, and are separated into a first row and a second row, respectively, by the guide section 620 and loaded into the first stacking section 631 and the second stacking section 632.

[0112] In this way, by providing the guide section 620 between the first and second rows, the first sheet of paper 11 and the second sheet of paper 12 can be separated from each other and stacked in the first stacking section 631 and the second stacking section 632, respectively. Furthermore, by providing the guide section 620 on the outside of the first and second rows, the sheets of paper 10 can be stacked so that they do not protrude outside the stacking section 630.

[0113] As described above, the paper stacking device 600 of this embodiment prevents the paper processing device 500 and the paper stacking device 600 from becoming larger, while also preventing the paper being transported and stacked in the paper stacking device 600 from entering or mixing with adjacent rows. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from having to deal with increased effort when retrieving the paper 10 due to the paper stacked in the paper stacking device 600 entering or mixing with adjacent rows.

[0114] (Second embodiment) In the first embodiment, a case was described in which the paper 10, separated by the guide section 620 and landing on the bottom surface of the recess 602, is transported to the stacking section 630 by the paper transport section 650. In the second embodiment, a case was described in which the paper, separated by the guide section placed on the output tray and landing on the output tray, is stacked by its own weight along the inclination of the output tray. Furthermore, in the first embodiment, a case was described in which the guide section 620 is provided on the outside of the first and second rows, but in the second embodiment, a case is described in which the guide section is provided only between the first and second rows, without providing the guide section on the outside of the first and second rows.

[0115] Figure 17 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a paper stacking device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the said paper stacking device. Note that, in order to avoid repetition in the explanation, detailed descriptions of the same configuration as in the first embodiment will be omitted.

[0116] <Paper output tray 800> As shown in Figure 17, the output tray 800 has a loading section 810, a guide section 820, a main tray 830, and an extension tray 840. In this embodiment, the output tray 800 constitutes a paper stacking device.

[0117] [Loading area 810] The loading section 810 loads (introduces) multiple sheets of paper in parallel from the paper processing device 500. The paper cut into two rows, the first row and the second row, by the paper processing device 500 and supplied to the output tray 800 is referred to as the first sheet and the second sheet, respectively. The first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are loaded in parallel into the first row and the second row, respectively, on the output tray 800 by the drive of the transport roller pair 514 of the paper processing device 500.

[0118] [Guide section 820] The guide unit 820 is positioned on the main tray 830 and guides the first paper 11 and the second paper 12 loaded by the loading unit 810 to the main tray 830, which serves as the stacking unit. The guide unit 820 is positioned between the first and second rows on the main tray 830. The guide unit 820 is shared between the adjacent first and second rows.

[0119] [Main Tray 830] The main tray 830 is mounted on the paper discharge section 570 of the paper processing device 500 at an inclination of a predetermined angle with respect to the XY plane. The main tray 830 has a first stacking section 831 corresponding to the first row and a second stacking section 832 corresponding to the second row, and places the first paper 11 and the second paper 12, separated by the guide section 820, into the first stacking section 831 and the second stacking section 832, respectively. The first paper is transported along the first row to the first stacking section 831, and the second paper is transported along the second row to the second stacking section 832. The main tray 830 has wall sections 833 formed at both ends along the paper transport direction, and the wall sections 833 prevent the first paper 11 and the second paper 12 from overhanging the main tray 830.

[0120] [Expansion Tray 840] The extension tray 840 is configured to extend and retract from the main tray 830, allowing the area on which the first paper 11 and the second paper 12 can be placed to be extended in the tilt direction of the main tray 830. This makes it possible to place relatively large sheets of paper on it.

[0121] As shown in Figure 18, the paper 10 is discharged from the downstream transport roller pair 514 in the paper processing device 500 and fed into the main tray 830 from the input section 810 of the output tray 800. The paper 10 is either the first or second sheet of paper. Once fed into the main tray 830, the paper 10 is guided by the guide section 820 and falls onto the main tray 830 by its own weight. The paper 10 that lands on the main tray 830 slides down the main tray 830 by its own weight towards the output section 570 of the paper processing device 500 and accumulates.

[0122] As described above, the output tray 800 of this embodiment prevents paper 10 from entering or mixing with adjacent rows of paper 10 accumulated on the output tray 800 simply by adding the configuration of the guide section 820 to the configuration of an existing output tray. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from having to deal with increased effort when removing paper 10 due to paper 10 entering or mixing with adjacent rows of paper 10 accumulated on the output tray 800.

[0123] (Third embodiment) In the second embodiment, a case was described in which the first and second sheets of paper are separated by a guide portion 820 located on the main tray 830 of the output tray 800 and accumulated by their own weight along the inclination of the main tray 830. In the third embodiment, a case was described in which the first and second sheets of paper are separated by a guide portion located on the output box and accumulated by falling inside the output box.

[0124] Figure 19 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a paper stacking device according to the third embodiment. Note that, to avoid repetition, detailed explanations of the same configuration as in the second embodiment are omitted.

[0125] <Paper stacking device 900> As shown in Figure 19, the paper stacking device 900 has a paper loading section 910, a guide section 920, and a paper output box 930.

[0126] [Loading area 910] The loading section 910 loads (introduces) multiple sheets of paper in parallel from the paper processing device 500. The paper cut into two rows, the first row and the second row, by the paper processing device 500 and supplied to the paper stacking device 900 is called the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12, respectively. The first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12 are loaded in parallel onto the paper discharge box 930 by the drive of the transport roller pair 514 of the paper processing device 500.

[0127] [Guide section 920] The guide unit 920 is positioned on the output box 930 and guides the first sheet 11 and the second sheet 12, which are fed in by the input unit 910, to the output box 930, which serves as the stacking unit. The guide unit 920 is positioned between the first and second rows on the output box 930. The guide unit 920 is shared by the adjacent first and second rows.

[0128] [Paper output box 930] The paper output box 930 accommodates a large quantity of paper discharged from the paper processing device 500. The paper output box 930 is positioned, for example, directly below the paper transport direction of the paper output section 570 of the paper processing device 500. The paper output box 930 has a first stacking section 931 corresponding to the first row and a second stacking section 932 corresponding to the second row, and places the first sheets of paper 11 and the second sheets of paper 12, separated by the guide section 920, into the first stacking section 931 and the second stacking section 932, respectively. The first sheets of paper 11 are transported along the first row to the first stacking section 931, and the second sheets of paper 12 are transported along the second row to the second stacking section 932. The first stacking section 931 and the second stacking section 932 each have walls formed at both ends along the paper transport direction and the paper width direction, and these walls prevent the first paper 11 and the second paper 12 from overflowing the paper output box 930.

[0129] As described above, the paper stacking device 900 of this embodiment prevents paper 10 stacked in the output box 930 from entering or mixing with adjacent rows simply by adding the configuration of the guide section 920 to the configuration of the existing output box 930. As a result, it is possible to prevent the user from having to deal with increased effort when retrieving paper 10 due to paper 10 entering or mixing with adjacent rows in the output box 930.

[0130] As described above, the sheet stacking device, sheet cutting system, and image forming system have been explained in the embodiments. However, it goes without saying that the present invention can be appropriately added, modified, and omitted by those skilled in the art within the scope of its technical concept.

[0131] For example, the above embodiment mainly described the case in which a first sheet of paper 11 and a second sheet of paper 12, which have been cut into two rows, are separated and stacked in parallel, but the system is not limited to this case. Multiple sheets of paper cut into three or more rows may be stacked in parallel.

[0132] While embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated in detail, the disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the language of the appended claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0133] 100 image forming systems, 200 client terminals, 300 paper feeder, 400 Image forming apparatus, 410 Image reading unit, 420 Image Processing Unit, 430 Image forming unit, 440 Paper feed section, 450 Paper transport section, 460 Fixing section, 470 Communications Department, 480 Operation display section, 490 Control unit, 500 paper processing equipment, 510 Paper transport section, 511-513 Conveyor routes, 514 Conveyor roller pairs, 520 Machining Processing Unit, 530 Trash box, 540 Communications Department, 550 Control unit, 600 paper stacking device, 610 Loading area, 611 1st entrance, 612 2nd entrance, 620 Guide section, 621 Guide plate, 621S slope, 622 Department of Protection; 623 Support member, 630 Accumulation unit, 631 First accumulation section, 632 Second accumulation section, 633 Stopper, 634 Separator, 640 Pressing part, 641 Rod-shaped member, 642 Rotary drive unit, 650 Paper transport section, 651 First conveyor belt, 652 Second conveyor belt, 700 communication lines.

Claims

1. A loading area where multiple sheets arranged in the width direction are loaded in parallel, An accumulation unit that stacks the aforementioned multiple sheets in parallel, A guide unit is arranged along the path from the loading unit to the storage unit, and guides the sheets being transported from the loading unit to the storage unit, It has, A sheet stacking device characterized in that the sheet being transported from the loading section is guided to the stacking section while rubbing against the guide section.

2. The sheet stacking device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion extends along the sheet transport direction and has an inclined portion on the downstream side in the sheet transport direction that is higher than the upstream side.

3. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is flexible.

4. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cross-section of the inclined portion has a curved portion.

5. The sheet stacking device according to claim 1, wherein the guide portion is configured to be detachable in the sheet transport direction.

6. The sheet stacking device according to claim 2, wherein the inclined portion is configured to be expandable and contractible in the sheet transport direction.

7. The sheet stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the inclination angle of the inclined portion is configured to be adjustable.

8. The sheet stacking device according to claim 1, further comprising a pressing section that presses the stacked sheets in the direction in which the sheets fall.

9. A cutting device that cuts a sheet into multiple pieces, A sheet cutting system comprising: a sheet stacking device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, which receives sheets that have been cut into multiple sheets from the cutting device and discharged, and stacks the multiple sheets that have been cut into multiple sheets in parallel.

10. The sheet cutting system according to claim 9, wherein the cutting device cuts the sheet in the sheet transport direction and discharges a plurality of cut sheets arranged side by side.

11. The guide portion extends along the sheet transport direction, and the downstream side in the sheet transport direction has a slope that is higher than the upstream side. The inclined portion has a peak that is at the highest position in the vertical direction. The sheet cutting system according to claim 9, wherein the vertical height of the top is higher than the position of the sheet being fed in from the loading section.

12. The cutting device further includes a sheet transport unit that transports the sheet to the loading unit, The sheet cutting system according to claim 9, wherein the guide portion is arranged so that the sheet is guided to the accumulation portion while being transported by the sheet transport portion and rubbing against the guide portion.

13. The sheet cutting system according to claim 9, wherein the position of the guide portion in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet transport direction is offset from the cutting position of the sheet that is cut in the sheet transport direction by the cutting device.

14. The sheet cutting system according to claim 9, wherein the cutting device cuts the sheet without bleed in the sheet transport direction and discharges a plurality of cut sheets side by side.

15. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, An image forming system comprising: a cutting system according to claim 9, which cuts a sheet on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus into multiple sheets and stacks them in parallel.

Images